I lived in Mandritsara somewhere north in Madagascar. There were less than 20 white people in the town of 10-20 000 . I saw some of them maybe once or twice a week, But whenever I got into contact with new people whether they were in Mandritsara or I was somewhere else, I always caught myself staring and saying to myself: HEy! Look a white person!

I understand that you guys are not living on a very frequented place, but when you get back you must "suffer" from new people staring or something as you re-adapt to the new situation?

Not really but I am sort of a loner, even in 'normal society' ☺

Some people think I may have some difficulties in adapting once back after 2 years but I cannot see why. Social media like Wild Dogs and face book keep me in touch with the friends and family and it all feels normal. Maybe because I was sort of used to 'a life away' from early days in life.

Rather cold today, sea is stormy and I feel for the guys fishing. It will be simular to the television series 'dangerous catch' in the North Sea. They are not around Gough but at seamount Nish.

You will have to loose your loner ideas and come and visit with us dogs that follow your story so religiously!

Will do Oubones

Today was a beautiful day, first proper sunshine day in weeks. There was only 40hours of sunshine recorded in May and unfortunately I forgot how much rain but I am sure you get the idea. Santjie asked me already yesterday if I would help her to fix the rope ladder going down at dieselcove. The other night when the ship was here another run broke and lucky for us it is only the 'top runs' of the ladder that are broken. I suggested that I would go down and loosen it all the way from the vegetation and then we should be able to pull it up, remove the 'vrot runs' and secure it again. Was rather straight forward other than the weight of the ladder when we had to haul it up for about 2meters and then wet and muddy.

After lunch she asked me if we could finish the other rope ladder which we started to make earlier in the year but stopped because the Tristan visit was canceled. We have finished it and now atleast we know we have anothe 12meter rope ladder should we need it.

I would love to post more often, but I also do not want to waste anyones time here with 'normal daily life' experience currently which is rather boring (read winter - trapped inside base )

I will however always share any good pictures and keep sharing the latest Island news!

Apparently they are still advertising my position.... but I am sure they will find a good medic for the next expedition!

Goodnight

It is the day to day things that give the "feel" of how it is to be doing what you do.Oops, you might end up becoming a permanent fixture if they do not get a relief for you.

Oubones when I am thinking of coming back I just sometimes get that cold sweat in the neck knowing that I will be under pressure to find work. The problem I am facing as mentioned earlier on is that we (medics) need to have 'bolt-on courses' which you need to do every 2nd year now. One is ACLS and the other is ITLS (Advanced cardio live support and International trauma life support) plus then pdp as well. All of these have now expired due to my extended contract. Two of the companies I did put feelers out for work (one is ISOS and they sometimes use us as locums) replied by wanting to know if I am 'current' with these courses which I will not be by the time I get back. Currently it is still up to date and my HPCSA license is also paid and current.

International SOS would like to thank you for your continued interest in positions that may arise.

In order that we can maintain our database, could we ask that you kindly provide us with answers to the following questions, along with providing your current CV in either Word or PDF.

- Are you available for locums? If so what notice period do you require?- Do you remain interested in fixed term (6 to 12 months) contracts?- Do you remain interested in permanent opportunities?- Are you ILS, ECT, ALS or ECP?- Do you have 3 years post qualification current operational experience?- Do you hold a valid ACLS?- Do you hold a valid ITLS or equivalent?- Do you hold a valid offshore certification such as BOSIET or HUET?- Do you have remote site experience?- Do you speak either French or Portuguese? If yes, which language?- Are you registered with the HPCSA?

Once back I first need to book and do all these courses, and that takes time. If I am lucky 2 months to get everything up to date again. However, I will still be looking for work (any work) even if it is just temporary to fill the time to achieve all of this. Luckily I did and still am saving up as much as I can so that I will have more time on my side.

Very long answer (sorry ) just to explain that I cannot legally stay on as medic on Gough. I would have been ok with a couple more months if they did find themselves on a spot again. I am sure they will find a good medic in time, there are a couple of months left before team training commence.

Herewith a couple of pics from this morning, I went for a 30min jog on the treadmill and saw the sunrise. Rather cold but beautiful day!

Second picture shows our anemometer (windspeed) facing north. Zach and Santjie at the main entrance, she is going up the mountain to join the other 2 'birders' doing some work on the Tristan Albatross.

I was cutting grass with the bushcutter last week, 3 days! Just need to do the path the the 'helicopter deck' (helli pad) as well and then it's good for another 2 months Will take pics when I start cutting again. 'Tom's garden service'